Cary Audio Design HD Surround Sound Processor Cinema 11a - Manual (Page 28)

AUTO SOUND SETUP
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The AUTO SOUND SET UP feature of the Cinema 11a will automatically measure the sound
characteristics of the main listening room where you have your home cinema system installed. It
has a seven-band auto sensing function that will try to optimize the sound quality and the overall
room frequency response for low bass, mid bass, mid range and high frequencies while you are
using it in the AUTO mode.
The room equalization (EQ) technology adopted by the Cinema 11a provides a superb listening
experience when it is utilized for music playback. We defeat the auto EQ function during movie
playback with Dolby Digital or DTS movie soundtracks. The room EQ function works for analog
signals converted to digital pulse code modulation (PCM) for surround sound listening or for PCM
signals from a CD or DVD player. This could be used as well for the AM/FM tuner signals if you
convert them to digital signals in the SET UP function by choosing DSP instead of bypass for the
Tuner. The measurement results are analyzed using an original algorithm and environmental
settings are made to improve the sound characteristics of the system in the listening area.
The room EQ can be used to average the overall room response by moving the microphone to as
many as six different physical locations in the room. For the averaging to take place you will need
to run the whole process again for each new placement of the microphone.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The microphone is designed to be placed flat on a surface that
is the same size
or smaller than the microphone base, with the mesh surface pointed
UP at the ceiling. The speakers should not have any obstruction between them and
the microphone for proper operation during auto set up. Setting this on a couch back
is not a correct way to do this. The microphone is designed to be pointed at the
ceiling. It should not be pointed at each speaker since this will make it read the room
incorrectly.
To set up the speaker systems without using AUTO SET UP feature see MANUAL SET UP in the
next section. AUTO SET UP will yield superior results to using only your ears and trying to
balance the system. MANUAL SET UP can yield even more precise set up of the system if done
properly with a sound level meter and a tape measure for sound and distance settings.
HOW TO PERFORM AUTO SOUND SETUP
During measurement, the VFD menu displays the current activity that is happening. The power
amplifier needs to be turned on, naturally, for all of the automatic settings to happen since the
microphone is listening for the speakers so that it can make the needed changes for auto set up.
1. Connect the supplied microphone to the Cinema 11a microphone input on the rear panel
of the Cinema 11a.
2. Place the microphone on a stand or small surface that does not in any way obstruct the
microphone’s ability to ‘listen’ to the room. Aim the microphone straight up at the ceiling,
not at the speakers.
STEPS:
• For the first (or only if you choose) auto set up measurement test, set the microphone
in the main listening area.
• Use a stand or tripod to position the microphone at ear level with a clear ‘view’ of all
the speakers. Having a couch back between the microphone and the rear channel
speakers is not a clear view, for example.
• If you are using a powered subwoofer, set the input sensitivity control setting to about
1/3 or 1/2 of the volume gain setting. The output level needs to be in approximate